Asheville, North Carolina News

Can George Lift UNCA over the Tarheels?

Leading the nation in blocked shots per game, The University of North Carolina Asheville’s (11-3) 7 feet, 7 inch center Kenny George impressed UNC Chapel Hill’s Tar Heels (15-0) in their first match-up. On Wednesday, January 7th, 2008, UNC Asheville fans are hoping he can do it again. The giant center so far averages 12.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.4 blocks per game for the current 2007-2008 season. The Bulldogs are 9-and-1 when George scores more than 10 points.

UNC Asheville has won five of its last six games, to bring its record to 11-3 — making them the leader of the Big South conference. UNCA just won a 61-58 away game over SEC team South Carolina Gamecocks, so expect the Bulldogs to come into the stadium with more than a little confidence in their game.

Meanwhile, the Tar Heels are undefeated, vanquishing most opponents with runaway scoring. Though this has been the case, the team did need some overtime to squeak by the Clemson Tigers last Sunday, winning by only 2 points.

The game starts at 7pm in Chapel Hill, and can be viewed locally in Asheville on ESPN-U (DIRECTV channel 609, Charter channel 322) and at Wild Wing Café.

Final outcome (updated January 10th, 2008)

UNC Asheville was within three points of UNC with 8 minutes before intermission, but couldn’t pull it out last night at the Smith Center, losing to an undefeated UNC Tarheels 93-81.

The folks at ESPN will probably be discussing Tyler Hansbrough’s dunk over Kenny George, but they won’t be talking about how the Bulldogs were able to hang with the Tar Heels through out the game. Also keep in mind that Hansbrough is a candidate for National Player of the Year.

Bryan Smithson led UNCA in scoring with 25 points. Center Kenny George finished with 11 rebounds, four blocked balls and 14 points. Senior guard, K.J. Garland, added 16 points and six assists while Vincent James had 11 points.

UNCA’s next game is in Asheville vs. Liberty University, at 4:30pm on January 12th, 2008.